A Russian student has appeared in court charged in connection with two explosive scares at Newcastle University.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Aust, 18, was arrested on June 10 after two evacuations at the university last week and a controlled explosion at the nearby Town Moor.

He has also been charged with carrying two knives outside his country’s embassy.

Aust is accused of making an explosive substance between September 1 last year and June 11 this year. He is also accused of carrying two lock knives when he was arrested near the Russian embassy in Bayswater Road, central London, on June 10.

The Newcastle University student, of Haymarket Lane, Newcastle, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

Wearing a grey-green T-shirt and white running bottoms, he spoke only to confirm his name and address with the aid of an interpreter.

The defendant showed no emotion when District Judge Emma Arbuthnot told him that he would be remanded in custody until he appears at Newcastle Crown Court on June 23.

Aust is charged with the manufacture of an explosive substance, contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

He is also accused of carrying without good reason or lawful authority in a public place articles which had a blade or were sharply pointed, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

A second 18-year-old Russian student who was also arrested last week in connection with the incident remains on police bail pending further inquiries.